Episodios

  • Is God Good - How Could a Good God Allow Suffering
    Sep 16 2024

    In this message from the series Is God Good?, Rusty George addresses the challenging question many people face: if God is good and great, why do bad things happen? He acknowledges that many of us grow up believing in certain versions of God that don’t hold up when we face real-life struggles, such as suffering or unanswered prayers. Rusty explores the false images of God, like the "Bodyguard God," the "On-Demand God," and the "Guilt God," and encourages us to let go of these misconceptions. Instead, he invites us to seek the true God revealed in Jesus, who walks with us through our doubts and struggles, even when life doesn’t go as we expect. Through humor and heartfelt reflection, Rusty reminds us that while life’s challenges can make us question God’s goodness, faith is about trusting God’s presence in the midst of it all.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    35 m
  • Is God Good - Tell me about the God you don't believe in
    Sep 9 2024

    Rusty George engages his audience with humor and relatable stories, discussing his football allegiances and his family's experiences with prayer, while addressing the deep questions people often have about God's nature. Through a series of anecdotes, he challenges common misconceptions of God, such as the "on-demand" God, the "boyfriend" God, and the "guilt" God, which can lead to a distorted faith experience. Rusty invites listeners to rethink these false views and explore a new understanding of a God who is compassionate, loving, and ever-present, even in moments when He seems silent. Emphasizing the true God revealed in Jesus, Rusty encourages his audience to embrace a faith that offers grace, freedom, and the assurance of God’s presence through life's struggles.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    25 m
  • Unoffendable - Grace & Mercy are Partners
    Sep 3 2024

    Damian Boyd opens with a powerful prayer, calling the congregation to surrender to God and listen for His voice. He intercedes specifically for those who are deeply wounded and wrestling with offense, asking God to bring healing and hope to their hearts. Damian highlights that being "unoffendable" is central to the Beatitudes, the culture of God's Kingdom, and the very essence of the cross.

    Approaching his message with humility, Damian sets the foundation by focusing first on who God is, then reflecting on his own journey, and finally turning to the congregation. He challenges the idea that we can simply move on from offense without a deep, transformative response rooted in God's character.

    Damian's sermon is a powerful invitation to understand and embrace the distinct yet interconnected gifts of mercy and grace. He encourages believers to develop an unoffendable spirit, recognizing mercy as God's compassionate withholding of judgment—"You did wrong, but you won’t face the full consequences"—and grace as His unmerited favor—"Despite your wrongs, I will still bless you." This message serves as a profound reminder that God's mercy and grace are the foundation of our faith, guiding us in how we live, forgive, and respond to the challenges of life.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    38 m
  • Unoffendable - Church Hurt
    Aug 26 2024

    In today's sermon, we explore the topic of "Church Hurt," addressing the all-too-common experience of feeling offended or let down by the church. Drawing from Philippians 4:2-3, where Paul addresses a conflict between two members of the early church, we examine how unresolved personal issues can escalate into community-wide drama. The key takeaway is that true Christian community is not about avoiding conflict but embracing a spirit of reconciliation.

    Whether it's unresolved issues from a past church experience or current frustrations, this message encourages us to seek healing and unity. The church is not perfect—it's a community of broken people striving to live in harmony through the grace of God. As Paul advises, we should avoid taking sides in conflicts and instead foster a spirit of reconciliation, ensuring that personal grievances do not hinder the work of God within the church.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    35 m
  • Unoffendable - Losing is the new winning
    Aug 19 2024

    Clay Scroggins, a familiar face at Crossroads, shares his excitement about returning after a few months away and dives into the theme of being "Unoffendable." He humorously recounts a personal story of inadvertently taking a long nap on his kids' first day of school, leading to an amusing but slightly embarrassing encounter with the school principal. Clay explores how easily we get offended, especially when relationships become competitive. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships over winning arguments or competitions, drawing on 1 Corinthians 9 to illustrate how the Apostle Paul made it his mission to win people over through love and service, rather than through conflict or offense.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    35 m
  • Unoffendable - Don't Take The Bait!
    Aug 12 2024

    We have all been OFFENDED by someone or something. This message uses common mousetraps and bug zappers as metaphors to illustrate how easy it is to fall into life’s various "traps," such as consumerism, sweets, gossip, and digital distractions. Pastor Rusty recounts personal experiences, leading to a deeper discussion about the ultimate trap laid by the enemy: offense. Rusty urges listeners not to take the bait of offense, which can lead to bitterness and distraction from what truly matters. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of offenses and avoiding being the cause of others' stumbling, while encouraging a balanced approach to expressing and dealing with issues. The message ultimately calls for living in grace, not letting offenses take root, and moving forward with wisdom and patience.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    32 m
  • At The Movies - "Jesus Revolution"
    Aug 5 2024

    In this engaging series, we explore the intersection of popular cinema and biblical truth, using films as a lens to uncover themes of redemption, courage, love, and sacrifice that resonate with Scripture. We’ll take a closer look at the transformative stories, such as Jesus Revolution, which chronicles the lives of young Greg Laurie, Lonnie Frisbee, and Chuck Smith during the 1960s counterculture movement. As they seek meaning in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, they discover that true revolution comes not from comfort, but from desperation for God.

    This journey invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they are ready to experience a personal Jesus revolution—one that challenges them to embrace faith, step out of their comfort zones, and share the love and grace of Jesus with others. If you feel the stirring in your heart and are ready to take the next step in your faith journey, we invite you to consider baptism as a public declaration of your commitment to Christ. So grab your popcorn and join us as we delve into these powerful narratives that inspire and uplift, reminding us that a life with Christ is not merely to be understood, but to be experienced.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    34 m
  • At The Movies - "Impossible"
    Aug 5 2024

    Join us in discovering how cinematic stories can bring hope, light, and inspiration to our lives, reflecting God's love and grace. Whether you're facing personal storms or looking to support others, remember that Jesus is the light of the world, guiding us through every challenge. Let's be the light for each other and spread the love of Jesus to those in need.

    As you experience the impossible today, remember why Jesus came: to seek and save those who are lost and far from God. No matter what you're going through, God is here to rescue you. He is the God of hope and the rock we hold onto when life seems impossible. This message is for everyone who needs hope. In John 16:33, Jesus says, "I have overcome the world." He wants to shine His light on your dark situation, whether it’s a relational, financial, or health concern, or feeling alone and far from God.

    This movie, based on the true story of a family caught in the 2004 tsunami, reminds us that unexpected storms will come. While it may not be a natural disaster, it could be a job loss, a loved one’s death, a rebellious child, health issues, or relationship struggles. Storms are inevitable, and the question is, what will you do when they hit?

    It's easy to become self-absorbed during tough times, but God wants to use you to help others, even in your struggles. Our connection groups at Crossroads provide support and remind us that God shines light in our darkness and calls us to be the light for others. In one powerful scene, Maria and her son Lucas face a difficult choice: focus on their survival or help someone else in need.

    Let's remember that Jesus is the light of the world, and He wants to bring light to our hopeless situations. Let's be the light for others, offering comfort and support, just as God does for us.

    Thank you for listening. For more, visit CrossroadsChristian.org and PastorRustyGeorge.com, and check out The Rusty George Podcast.

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    34 m